National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) - 98 Matching Results

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Lioré-Olivier LeO 194 Seaplane
Report presenting a description of the Lioré-Olivier LeO 194 seaplane and a particular series of flights made over several months. Its fuselage is made entirely of wood. It has 6 gasoline tanks each with a capacity of 255 liters. It is a single engine biplane with wings mounted above the body of the seaplane.
The Transformation of Heat in an Engine
This report presents a thermodynamic basis for rating heat engines. The production of work by a heat engine rests on the operation of supplying heat, under favorable conditions, to a working fluid and then taking it away.
The Westland Iv Commercial Monoplane (British): Three "Cirrus III" Engine
Circular presenting a description of the Westland IV, which is a high-wing monoplane with strut bracing, two outboard engines, a fairly large fuselage that provides comfortable cabin accommodation, and wide-track landing gear. Details of the design, flight characteristics, blueprints, and photographs are provided.
The Blackburn "Bluebird" Mark IV (British): All-Metal Biplane
Circular presenting a description of the Blackburn Bluebird Mark IV, which is an all-metal airplane. Details are provided regarding constructional features, the cockpit, the gasoline system, and the flight characteristics.
Some New Tests at the Gottingen Laboratory
The tests at the Gottingen laboratory included: friction tests on a surface treated with emaillite, verification tests on the M.V.A. 356 wing, and comparative tests of wing no. 36 at the Eiffel laboratory. The examination of all these experiments leads to the belief that, at large incidences, the speeds registered by the suction manometer of the testing chamber of the Eiffel laboratory wind tunnel are, owing to pressure drop, greater than the actual speeds. Therefore, the values of k(sub x) and k(sub y) measured at the Eiffel laboratory at large incidences are too low.
Motion of Spheres in Still Fluids
"The behavior of a liquid or gaseous medium, in which a solid body can move freely under the action of a force of constant magnitude and direction, is yet little known. Only in connection with a few special problems, which belong in this field, have experiments been tried and these chiefly concern technically important cases. The behavior of the simplest shaped bodies has as yet been scarcely investigated at all" (p. 1).
Contribution to the Systematic Investigation on Joukowsky Profiles
"This article resulted from the need of showing, in a simple way, how the aerodynamic properties of airfoils are affected by the shape of their profiles. No general solution of this problem could be found, since the profile shapes cannot ordinarily be expressed by simple mathematical formulas. This advantage is possessed only by the Joukowsky profiles and this discussion of the problem is therefore limited to them" (p. 1).
Kinetographic Determination of Airplane Flight Characteristics
The author's first experiments with a glider on flight characteristics demonstrated that an accurate flight-path measurement would enable determination of the polar diagram from a gliding flight. Since then he has endeavored to obtain accurate flight measurements by means of kinetograph (motion-picture camera). Different methods of accomplishing this are presented.
Performance of B. M. W. 185-horsepower airplane engine
Report discusses the results of testing on a B.M.W. engine in an altitude chamber where temperature and pressure can be controlled to simulate flight at various altitudes. Results for various engine speeds, altitudes, and propeller speeds are provided.
The Pander Light Biplane: A School Two-Seater With 45 HP Anzani Engine
Report presenting a description of the Pander light biplane, including a description of the construction and flying characteristics are provided.
The Francois Villiers Marine Pursuit Airplane
A traditional biplane design allows this craft to function with the speed and maneuverability necessary to perform as a pursuit aircraft while also being able to land on water. It featured retractable landing gear for water landings. It was powered with a 450 HP. Lorraine-Dietrich engine.
Aeromechanical Experimentation (Wind Tunnel Tests)
The following report endeavors to show that aeromechanical experimentation has become an important aid to theory. Experiments can be tried with separate parts of airplanes or with models of whole airplanes, with propellers, and with anything else that comes into contact with moving air.
Fatigue of Internal Combustion Engines
Engine conditions such as pressure characteristics, temperatures, and mechanical fatigue enable the employment of a criterion of general fatigue which simultaneously takes account of both mechanical and thermal conditions, for the sake of comparing any projected engine with engines of the same type already in use.
Theoretical Investigation of the Effect of the Ailerons on the Wing of an Airplane
The present work investigates, on the basis of Prandtl's wing theory, the form of the lift distribution when the ailerons are deflected in opposite directions. An ideal fluid and a wing with a rectangular form are assumed. The moments must not cause any rotation of the wing or any deviation from the rectilinear motion.
Aerial photography : obtaining a true perspective
Report discussing a demonstration was given within the last few days at the British Museum by Mr. J. W. Gordon, author of "Generalized Linear Perspective" (Constable and Co.), a work describing a newly-worked-out system by which photographs can be made available for the purpose of exactly recording the dimensions of the objects photographed even when the objects themselves are presented foreshortened in the photograph.
Steel Spars
A history of English metal spar construction is presented in this paper. The way in which different spar designs or spar materials influence the aircraft wing loading and aerodynamics is described.
On the Definition of the Standard Atmosphere
"On April 15, 1920, the under Secretary of State for Aeronautics and Aerial Transport decided to adopt as Standard Atmosphere for official airplane tests in France, the atmosphere defined by the following law, known as the Law of the S.T.You.(Technical Section of Aeronautics): From 0 to 11,000 m. - 0=15-0.0065 Z and above 11,000 m. - 0= -56.5 degrees being the temperature in centigrade degrees at altitude Z expressed in meters. For altitude 0 the pressure is 760 mm of mercury. In the magazine "L'Aeronautique" Mr. A. Toussaint has already written at length on the first studies which led to the elaboration of this law. Since that time the results obtained have been confirmed by fuller and more abundant data which have justified the official adoption of the Law of the S.T.Ae" (p. 1).
Safety Factors in Aviation
A formula for calculating the safety of airplanes is given and the stresses on airplane components are calculated. Some questions regarding the information obtained from the formula and its application to safe airplane design for pilots are provided.
The Cathode Oscillograph for the Study of Low, Medium, and High Frequencies
The object of this work has been to construct an apparatus for obtaining oscillogram of voltages and currents which are variable with respect to time and of the frequency which is constantly met in radio.
Loss of the Dixmude
The causes of the destruction of the Dixmude are discussed and some conclusions are drawn. The author believes a gasoline fire instead of a lightning strike was probably responsible, but the public believes otherwise.
My Experience With Helicopters
The author recounts his experiments with helicopters. The object of his investigations was to remain stationary in the air for five minutes and to make a closed flight at low altitude. Some of the topics discussed include stabilization, horizontal flight, and directional control.
Wind-Driven Propellers (Or "Windmills")
Wind-driven propellers are much used as sources of power for equipment such as radios. This report establishes the principles involved and acquaints the reader with rules for design of such windmills.
Wind Tunnel of Zeppelin Airship Company
This report discusses the general considerations for the design of aerodynamic laboratories. The dimensions, construction, and components of the wind tunnel are given special attention.
The New Interpretation of the Laws of Air Resistance
A closer examination of Newton's formula for air resistance shows that it is well to consider the air as an ordinary fluid, and, indeed for most of the velocities considered, as a non-compressible fluid, so long as the dimensions of the moving body are large in comparison with the mean free path of the particles of air.
Metal Construction
The future development of aerial navigation is closely connected with the condition of obtaining airplanes of great stability and sufficient strength. Different construction materials such as wood, aluminum, iron, and alloys are examined to determine which materials or combination of materials provides a greater coefficient of safety.
Commercial Airplanes and Seaplanes
This report considers as the dominating characteristic, either the load carried, the speed, the radius of action, the fuel consumption, the activity of transport, or, lastly, the qualities of comfort and safety. The first four factors determine the theoretical efficiency, while the others determine its practical efficiency.
Testing Airplanes in Flight: Determining Position of Resultant of Action of Air and Longitudinal Stability of an Airplane at Different Angles of Attack
"Measurements made during flight with the triple recording device which gives the horizontal and vertical speeds of an airplane and the angle it makes with the horizon, render it possible to calculate its lift, its drag, and R the resultant of the action of the air both in magnitude and direction, but with these data alone, it is impossible to determine the position of this resultant in the plane of symmetry of the airplane. We will also see how we may determine the position of R during flight and then calculate the variations in the stability of an airplane" (p. 1).
Irresponsibility Clause in Air Traffic Contracts
This report examines the question of the responsibility of the carrier in air traffic. The French were concerned about the competitive advantage the English companies enjoyed because of differences in their respective laws.
Evolution of Modern Aviation and Experimental and Technical Researches in Aerodynamic Laboratories
The evolution of construction techniques and the use of metal in wings is presented. Drag is discussed along with the fuselage and tail. The interaction of these parts is also investigated.
Wing Resistance Near the Ground
In the present treatise, a convenient method will be indicated, which makes it possible to determine the polar curve of an airplane at short distances from the ground by a simple short calculation, when the polar curve is known for flight in unlimited space.
Joukowski Wings
To sum up, Professor Joukowski's theory of supporting wings renders it possible to calculate the coefficient of lift in terms of the angle of attack, and Prandtl's coefficient of induced drag and the correction of the angle of attack in terms of the disposition and aspect ratio of the wings.
Propeller Theory of Professor Joukowski and His Pupils
This report gives a summary of the work done in Russia from 1911 to 1914, by Professor Joukowski and his pupils. This summary will show that these men were the true originators of the theory, which combines the theory of the wing element and of the slipstream.
Influence of Elliptical Distribution of Lift on Strength of Airplane Wings
"Hitherto it has been generally assumed, in calculating the fall of an airplane, that the forces withstood by the latter were distributed uniformly throughout the whole length of the wing. In reality this is not the case and German engineers in particular are now assuming an elliptical distribution of the forces. The latter hypothesis has made it possible to carry out a certain number of calculations which have been verified by experiment" (p. 1).
Distribution of Pressure on Fuselage of Airplane Model: Communication From Rijks-Studiedienst Voor De Luchtvaart of Amsterdam
In order to study the distribution of the pressure on the surfaces of a fuselage and the influence of the wing on the air flow along these surfaces, we have made tests pertaining to the bottom and one side. In this particular case, the wing causes an increase in pressure along the sides of the fuselage.
Test Flight of the Handley Page Torpedo-Carrying Airplane
Memorandum presenting a description of the first flight test of the Handley Page torpedo-carrying airplane.
Organization and Exploitation of Regular Aerial Transportation Lines
Report presenting a description of the aerial transportation lines in France, including the founding, location, and usage of the lines.
Applying the results of experiments on small models in the wind tunnel to the calculation of full-sized aircraft
This report presents the attempt to develop a law which will permit the use of results obtained on small models in a tunnel for the calculation of full-sized airplanes, or if it exists, a law of similitude relating air forces on a full-sized plane to those on a reduced scale model.
The Coupling of Engines
This report examines the idea of coupling numerous engines together to turn a single propeller, which the author feels would free aircraft design from the problems of multi-engine and propeller design.
Resume of the Theory of Naval and Aerial Propulsive Propellers and of Airplanes in the Rectilinear Flight
Though dissimilar, these two subjects have been united because they have some points in common. The computation of the movement of an airplane can only be correctly established if we are in a position to know exactly the thrust and resisting torque of the propeller for the various values of slip, which may vary greatly according to circumstance. The first part of the work concerns propellers and introduces as a fundamental variable, the true slip (delta) with respect to the effective pitch, which is the advance per revolution of the propeller corresponding to no thrust. The second part deals with characteristic curves of an airplane.
Abstracts from the German Technical Press: Rates for Flights Organized by the State
Report presenting tariffs that are written for all aircraft manufacturing companies to follow regarding aircraft orders.
The Technical Development of the Transport airplane: Report of the Aero-Technical Conference of the Scientific Association for Aeronautics, March 5, 1919
The abolition of military qualifications gives free scope to new technical possibilities in the development of transport airplanes. This report notes the various considerations that must be made when designing aircraft to meet the needs of commercial passengers. Comfort and safety must be emphasized.
Sixth Meeting of the Members of the German Scientific Association for Aeronautics
Report presenting a description of a meeting of the German Scientific Association for Aeronautics. The topics that were discussed are described.
Study of the Resistance Offered by Propellers Rotating on an Airstream
This report presents a series of tests conducted to verify the formula for thrust P = q(exp 2) D(exp 2) V(exp 2), where P represents thrust, V the velocity of the airstream, D the diameter of the propeller, and q the lifting quality of a comparative propeller which is called the conjugate propeller.
Extracts from the German Technical Process. Transport Airplanes.
Report presenting a description of the transition stage of airplanes and how it will change with new developments in aircraft design. The details of the debate between centralized or decentralized installation are also provided, including some of the pros and cons of each.
Center of pressure coefficients for airfoils at high speeds
"It has been customary to calculate the strength of the rear wing beam for the 'high speed' condition on the assumption that the center of pressure was at 0.50 of the wing chord. It can be shown that this assumption is not justified, regardless of the utility of a 'high speed' condition in strength calculations" (p. 1).
On the Resistance of the Air at High Speeds and on the Automatic Rotation of Projectiles
Here, the laws governing the flow of a compressible fluid through an opening in a thin wall are applied to the resistance of the air at high speeds, especially as applied to the automatic rotation of projectiles. The instability which we observe in projectiles shot into the air without being given a moment of rotation about their axis of symmetry, or without stabilizing planes, is a phenomenon of automatic rotation. It is noted that we can prevent this phenomenon of automatic rotation by bringing the center of gravity sufficiently near one end, or by fitting the projectile with stabilizing planes or a tail.
Gordon Bennett Airplane Cup 1920
The characteristics of the airplanes built for the Gordon Bennett Airplane Cup race that took place on September 28, 1920 are described. The airplanes are discussed from a aerodynamical point of view, with a number of new details concerning the French machines. Also discussed is the regulation of future races. The author argues that there should be no limitations on the power of the aircraft engines. He reasons that in the present state of things, liberty with regard to engine power does not lead to a search for the most powerful engine, but for one which is reliable and light, thus leading to progress.
Similitude tests on wing sections
Report presenting an exploration of the application of model test results to full size construction, which assumes that either the resistance varies as the square of the speed within, the range of speeds in question or that the mechanical similarity law is fulfilled by the model test. The latter requires that the relation of airflow to the model be exactly like that for the large machine.
Notes on Propeller Design 2:The Distribution of Thrust Over a Propeller Blade
The best distribution of the thrust over the length of the propeller blade is investigated, taking into account chiefly the slipstream loss and the friction between the blades and the air.
Notes on Propeller Design 1: The Energy Losses of the Propeller
The different kinds of energy losses of the propeller and the values of the constants determining them are discussed.
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